Proper way to reset computer?

I just bought a 13" a couple days ago. I'm coming from an older 15" MBP. After using it for these couple of days I'm starting to think I miss the 15" screen, so I'm thinking about exchanging the 13" for the 15".

I did migration assistant with this new 13" so what is the best way to wipe the computer clean if I decide to exchange it?

I just bought a 13" a couple days ago. I'm coming from an older 15" MBP. After using it for these couple of days I'm starting to think I miss the 15" screen, so I'm thinking about exchanging the 13" for the 15".

I did migration assistant with this new 13" so what is the best way to wipe the computer clean if I decide to exchange it?

Click to expand...

Make a bootable Mavericks installer, boot from it and reformat the drive.

Hold the Option key while powering on your Mac, this should bring up the Startup Manager.

Select the Recovery disk (10.9 Recovery?) and press return.

Select Disk Utility

Select Macintosh HD (or your volume if you renamed it) from the list on the left

Click the Erase tab in the right portion of the window

Click the Security Options button towards the bottom of the window

Use the slider to determine how secure of an erase you want. The "Fastest" option is obviously the fastest however it does not securely erase data. The next fastest option uses one pass of writing zeros to remove all of your data. The next fastest option uses two passes of writing random data followed by a pass of writing known data to destroy your actual data. The slowest, but most secure option is the same as before but makes seven passes. Depending on the size of your disk the time difference between these could be huge. The most secure option could take anywhere from 3 - 18 hours in my experience. Either of the previous two will take a good bit less time while still providing reasonable enough security if the Mac is returned to a reputable retailer.

Once you've chosen your security option click OK.

Click Erase.

When the process is done the Macintosh HD volume will be blank. You can either install Mountain Lion / Mavericks back over it using the Install Mac OS X option on your recovery disk or you can leave it blank.

Staff Member

I just bought a 13" a couple days ago. I'm coming from an older 15" MBP. After using it for these couple of days I'm starting to think I miss the 15" screen, so I'm thinking about exchanging the 13" for the 15".

I did migration assistant with this new 13" so what is the best way to wipe the computer clean if I decide to exchange it?

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.